All the advertising, glossy magazines and billions of marketing dollars spent each year would have us believe that the way to beautiful skin is through expensive products with ingredients we can’t pronounce and a price tag that could give us a few new forehead wrinkles all on its own.
Fortunately, with the wonderful wide world of information available to us now, we have a few more options than that. The downside is, many of those do-it-yourself skin salves require a considerable amount of time, ingredient hunting and damn near a chemistry degree.
That’s always the thing, isn’t it? Homemade beauty products always seem like such an idealistic, resourceful, just plain cool and sexy thing to do…in theory. But then we never have the time and somehow, it never happens. So for the busy ladies (I’m one of them), who want to add "natural beauty" to their internet dating profile, here are a few little healthy skins cheats:
Cucumber
Ahh, yes. We’ve all heard this one before, that cucumbers are great for your skin. I’m putting it at the top of the list because I don’t want you to think this one should go the way of some old antiquated myth. Cucumbers are not and shall never be outdated.
Skin in its natural, best condition shares similar hydrogen levels with cucumbers, making the two naturally great buddies. Slice some up and put them over your eyes for 10 minutes for an easy de-puff before heading out, or blend it up into a mask and give your whole face a treat.
Also, while we’re embracing the quick and easy, keeping a pitcher of water with a few cucumber slices in your refrigerator is a great way to continuously love your skin (and the rest of your body) all day long.
Bananas
I love bananas. So tasty. So I was even more excited when I found out the amazing things they can do for your skin. First, they’re ultra moisturizing. Mash up a ripe banana, apply it to any areas of dry skin and in 5 minutes, you’ll have skin so soft, your over-priced old moisturizers will be put to shame. Also, they’re a powerful secret weapon against under-eye dark circles. Gotta love that potassium.
Oatmeal
Not just for kids with chicken pox. Your skin will fall in love with oatmeal baths. Just take a cup or two of plain oatmeal, stuff it in the cut-off foot of an old pair of pantyhose and tie it around your tub faucet. Soak in there for a while and your skin will be beautifully soft and soothed.
Oranges
I told you these would all be simple remedies from things you just have lying around. Bet you never knew this fruit bowl staple is also one of the best beauty secrets you never knew you had. The big, bad punch of vitamin C means you already know oranges are good for you. While you’re snacking, squeeze a little juice and rub it on your face, especially your cheeks and under your eyes. Seems like a terrible, sticky idea but trust me on this one: the juice dries, the sticky feeling quickly fades, and you’re left with a lovely glow.
